What are Asphalt Shingles?
Asphalt is a sticky, black, and semi solid-liquid form of petroleum. It can be found naturally in deposits. Asphalt is used in roof shingles. The topcoat of organic asphalt shingles contains solid granules while the base mat contains cellulose, waste paper, and wood. Fiberglass asphalt shingles consist of a base layer containing fiberglass bonded with urea formaldehyde resin. Asphalt shingles are widely used and reputed all over the world.
Why Use Asphalt Shingles?
The most important reason comes down to cost and labor. Asphalt shingles are inexpensive and simple to install when compared with other types of roofing materials. Asphalt shingles are also durable. They’re lightweight and can fit any type of roof. You can choose asphalt shingles with different shapes, colors, and textures as you like. If you tend to look for a traditional style, for example, three-tab shingles are appropriate.
With a long-lasting resistance to wind, heat, and moisture, asphalt shingles can withstand storms and windy days. They don’t rust or easily stain. And when their useful life is over, they can be recycled.
How Do Asphalt Shingles Provide Protection?
Asphalt shingles have a high quality which can withstand winds, storms, fires and discolorations due to external factors.
• Asphalt shingles have high wind resistance due to the bond strength of seal adhesive, high quality fasteners and proper nailed techniques. You can choose shingles based on their wind resistance and bond strength. Class H, for example, can resist winds up to 150mph. By considering the nature of wind in your area, you can order asphalt shingles that are most suitable for your house.
Normal asphalt shingles have four nails per shingle, but if it is rated above 100mph, two extra nails are used as well as extra dabs of roofing cement. If you want to protect your roof from storm damages, UL 2218 – Class 4 is a good option for you.
• Asphalt shingles can protect you from dangerous situations. They have excellent heat insulation and fire resistance properties that help prevent damages to your roof caused by accidental fires, lightning strikes, or nearby forest fires. Class A, Class B, and Class C have high resistance, medium resistance and light resistance, respectively. Choose the class by considering environmental conditions of the area, as well as security needs and the associated cost.
• Algae can cause discolorations and stains on your roof. There are, however, asphalt shingles which are algae resistant thanks to a combination of copper and zinc. When the roof becomes wet, copper and zinc are released to protect your roof covering. For further maintenance, you can follow an accepted treatment plan for your roof to prevent algae stains. So, it is possible to maintain a clean and clear roof without stains and discolorations.
• Waterproof properties of asphalt shingles can protect your roof from damages caused by rain, snow, and moisture. Asphalt shingles are entirely impermeable to liquid!
Summary:
If you want a durable and stylish roof, use asphalt shingles.